Using pointers to tagged frequencies to indicate candidates for use in redirection or reselection

Abstract

Embodiments include a method by which a network equipment efficiently directs a device attempting a connection to a congested or limited-capacity portion of a network to another resource (e.g., cell, frequency, and/or RAT) where the attempt is more likely to be successful. This method utilizes a connection reject message that comprises a small amount of information pointing to information broadcast in system information (SI) messages. The reject message may be used with existing or, alternately, enhanced SI messages comprising tags that resolve the pointer information in the reject message. Embodiments also include methods by which a device redirects to a resource based on the information contained in the reject and SI messages. Other embodiments include methods by which a device deprioritizes a resource during cell reselection based on information contained in the reject and SI messages. Embodiments include wireless communication devices, network equipment, or computer-readable media embodying these methods.